System and method to selectively reduce usb-3 interference with wireless communication devices

ABSTRACT

An information handling system includes a processor that provides a USB-2 channel and a USB-3 channel to a device. The device provides the USB-2 and -3 channels to selected ports. Each port includes a USB-3 enable setting. When the USB-3 enable setting for each particular USB port is in a first state, the associated device USB-3 channel is active, and when the USB-3 enable setting for each particular USB port is in a second state, the associated device USB-3 channel is inactive. The USB-3 enable setting for at least one of the USB ports is placed into the second state to reduce electromagnetic interference between the associated USB-3 channel and an antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/871,632 entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SELECTIVELY REDUCE USB-3INTERFERENCE WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES” filed on May 11, 2020,the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure generally relates to information handling systems, andmore particularly relates to selective reduction of usb-3 interferencewith wireless communication devices in an information handling system.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an information handling system. An information handlingsystem generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicatesinformation or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Becausetechnology and information handling needs and requirements may varybetween different applications, information handling systems may alsovary regarding what information is handled, how the information ishandled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, andhow quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, orcommunicated. The variations in information handling systems allow forinformation handling systems to be general or configured for a specificuser or specific use such as financial transaction processing,reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. Inaddition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardwareand software resources that may be configured to process, store, andcommunicate information and may include one or more computer systems,data storage systems, and networking systems.

SUMMARY

An information handling system may include a processor that provides aUSB-2 channel and a USB-3 channel to a device. The device may providethe USB-2 and -3 channels to selected ports. Each port may include aUSB-3 enable setting. When the USB-3 enable setting for each particularUSB port is in a first state, the associated device USB-3 channel may beactive, and when the USB-3 enable setting for each particular USB portis in a second state, the associated device USB-3 channel may beinactive. The USB-3 enable setting for at least one of the USB ports maybe placed into the second state to reduce electromagnetic interferencebetween the associated USB-3 channel and an antenna.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures have not necessarily been drawn toscale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporatingteachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respectto the drawings presented herein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information handling systemaccording to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an information handling systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a view of a BIOS/UEFI set-up screen of an information handlingsystem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a generalized informationhandling system according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The followingdiscussion will focus on specific implementations and embodiments of theteachings. This focus is provided to assist in describing the teachings,and should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope orapplicability of the teachings. However, other teachings can certainlybe used in this application. The teachings can also be used in otherapplications, and with several different types of architectures, such asdistributed computing architectures, client/server architectures, ormiddleware server architectures and associated resources.

FIG. 1 illustrates an information handling system 100 according to theprior art. Information handling system 100 includes a general-purposeprocessor (CPU) 110, a wireless communication antenna 114, a UniversalSerial Bus (USB) hub 120, a dock connector 130, a cable connector 132, amodule connector 134, a Basic Input/Output System/Universal ExtensibleFirmware Interface (BIOS/UEFI) module 140, and a display device 150. CPU110 represents a processor, along with other elements of an informationhandling system that operate generally to provide the functions andfeatures typical of a computer system, and may be understood to includeother elements, such as memory devices, I/O hubs, storage devices,communication devices, and the like. In particular, CPU 110 includes oneor more wireless communication interface (not illustrated) that isconnected to antenna 114 to provide wireless communications with otherdevices remote from information handling system 100. Examples ofwireless communication interfaces may include near field communicationinterfaces such as Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy interfaces or othernear field communication interfaces, medium range communicationinterfaces such as 802.11 WiFi interfaces or other medium rangecommunication interfaces, wide-area communication interfaces such as thevarious third-, fourth-, or fifth-generation (3G, 4G, or 5G) cellularcommunication interfaces or other wide-area communication interfaces,global positioning communication interfaces such as a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) interface, or other wireless communication interfaces, asneeded or desired. Each wireless communication interface will beunderstood to operate at one or more characteristic operating frequency.CPU 110 includes a USB port 112, illustrated here as a pair of USBchannels that are connected to USB hub 120: a second generation USB(USB-2) channel and a third generation USB (USB-3) channel.

USB hub 120 operates to receive the USB-2 and USB-3 channels from CPU110, and to split the USB-2 and USB-3 channels to be connected to threeports 122, 124, and 126. Port 122 is connected to dock connector 130 viaa USB-2 channel (USB-2.1) and a USB-3 channel (USB-3.1). Port 124 isconnected to cable connector 132 via a USB-2 channel (USB-2.2) and aUSB-3 channel (USB-3.2). Port 126 is connected to module connector 134via a USB-2 channel (USB-2.3) and a USB-3 channel (USB-3.3). Dockconnector 130 represents a non-standard USB connector that is designedby a manufacturer of information handling system 100, and that isintended to be mated to a complimentary USB connector on a dockingstation. For example, where information handling system 100 represents alaptop computer system or tablet device, the information handling systemmay be accessorized with a docking station that provides expanded powerand I/O capabilities to the information handling system, typically as ina fixed location, where larger accessories may be accommodated, such asan additional monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. Cableconnector 132 represents a USB connector that permits the installationof a standard USB cable to connect information handling system 100 withvarious add-in devices, such as thumb drives, attached storage devices,or other add-in devices, as needed or desired. An example of cableconnector 132 may include a USB-3 Type-A connector, a USB-3 Type-Bconnector, a proprietary USB connector, or another standard ornon-standard USB connector, as needed or desired.

Module connector 134 represents another non-standard USB connector thatis designed by the manufacturer of information handling system 100, andthat is intended to be mated to a complimentary USB connector on anexpansion module. Following the example where information handlingsystem 100 represents a laptop computer system or tablet device, theinformation handling system may be accessorized with an expansion modulethat provides expanded power and I/O capabilities to the informationhandling system similar to the docking station described above, exceptthat the expansion module may be more portable, such as by beingattached to a back side of the information handling system.

CPU 110 includes a USB-3 enable setting 114, such as a registerlocation, or the like, that selects whether or not to enable the USB-3channel of port 112. As such, FIG. 1 illustrates information handlingsystem 100 configured with the USB-3 channel enabled (top figure,labeled “100-A”), and configured with the USB-3 channel disabled (bottomfigure, labeled “100-B”). Further, where the USB-3 channel is disabled,the USB-3 channels between port 112 and USB hub 120, between port 122and dock connector 130, between port 124 and cable connector 132, andbetween port 124 and module connector 134 are illustrated with dashedlines, indicating that the USB-3 functionality has been disabled. Itwill be understood herein that, with reference to USB-3 enable settingsas described herein, the terms “enabled,” “enabled,” “disable,” and“disabled” refer functionally to the operation of the respective USB-3channel, and not necessarily to a logic level, such as where a bitlocation of a register is “set” (written with a “1”), or “cleared”(written with a “0”), and the enabling or disabling of a particularUSB-3 enable setting may be provided as needed or desired to carry outthe disclosed functionality.

Information handling system 100 instantiates a BIOS/UEFI on BIOS/UEFImodule 140. The BIOS/UEFI may include a setting option to enable ordisable the USB-3 channel by setting or clearing USB-3 enable setting114, based upon a user preference. It will be understood that, becauseUSB-3 enable setting 114 operates within CPU 110, when the SSB-3 enablesetting is disabled, information handling system 100 will be effectivelylimited in operation to USB-2 data rates and data throughput on all ofports 122, 124, and 126. Here, for example, during a system boot processof information handling system 100, when USB-3 enable setting 114 isdisabled, the initialization process for USB functionality may notenable the USB functionality on any of the downstream ports. CPU 110further includes a video interface (not illustrated) that is connectedto display device 150. The BIOS/UEFI typically provides for the displayof the various setting options on display device 150, and for a user tochange the various setting options as needed or desired. Here, a displaymay be provided that permits the user set or clear USB-3 enable setting114, and thus to enable or disable the USB-3 functionality ofinformation handling system 100.

Given the operating frequency of USB interfaces, and particularly ofUSB-3 interfaces that are in accordance with the USB 3.1 specification,harmonics of the operating frequency may interfere with one or more ofthe wireless communication interfaces, particularly by operation ofcoupling to the harmonics 170 into antenna 114. In particular, whereantenna 114 represents a GPS antenna for a GPS functionality ofinformation handling system 100, it will be understood that the intendedreceived signal from the GPS satellite network may be small incomparison with the harmonic content generated by the USB-3 interfaces.For example, the USB-3 operating frequency of 2.4-2.5 GHz may produceharmonics that interfere with the L1 (1575.42 MHz) and the L3 (1227.60MHz) GPS operating frequencies. Typical solutions posed to reduce theintroduction of harmonics into antenna 114 include providing greatershielding of USB devices or USB connectors in an information handlingsystem, physically locating antennas as far as possible away from USBdevices in the information handling system, or disabling USB-3functionality in the information handling system. The solution ofdisabling USB-3 functionality, as shown by the lower figure 110-B,reduces the harmonic coupling 175, but does not permit the greatestperformance level for the information handling system, and a user istherefore faced with a choice of poor performance, or poor GPS locationfunctionality. In particular, where information handling system 100represents a laptop computer or tablet device, the ability to providegreater shielding or to physically locate antennas far from the USBdevices may be very limited due to the space and routing constraints ofthe laptop computer or tablet form factors.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an information handling system 200.Information handling system 200 includes a general-purpose processor(CPU) 210, a wireless communication antenna 214, a Universal Serial Bus(USB) hub 220, a dock connector 230, a cable connector 232, a moduleconnector 234, a BIOS/UEFI module 240, a display device 250, and anembedded controller 260. CPU 210 is similar to CPU 110 and includes oneor more wireless communication interface (not illustrated) that isconnected to antenna 214 to provide wireless communications with otherdevices remote from information handling system 200. CPU 210 includes aUSB port 212, illustrated here as a pair of USB channels that areconnected to USB hub 220: a second generation USB (USB-2) channel and athird generation USB (USB-3) channel. CPU 210 is also connected to USBhub 220 via an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) interface. It will beunderstood that the I2C interface represents a management interface thatcan include a System Management Bus (SMBus), Low Pin Count (LPC)interface, an Improved Inter-Integrated Circuit (I3C) interface, oranother interface, as needed or desired.

USB hub 220 is similar to USB hub 120, operating to receive the USB-2and USB-3 channels from CPU 210, and to split the USB-2 and USB-3channels to be connected to three ports 222, 224, and 226. Port 222 isconnected to dock connector 230 via a USB-2 channel (USB-2.1) and aUSB-3 channel (USB-3.1). Port 224 is connected to cable connector 232via a USB-2 channel (USB-2.2) and a USB-3 channel (USB-3.2). Port 226 isconnected to module connector 234 via a USB-2 channel (USB-2.3) and aUSB-3 channel (USB-3.3). Connectors 230, 232, and 234 are similar torespective connectors 130, 132, and 134. USB hub 220 differs from USBhub 120 in that USB hub 220 includes a USB-3 enable setting associatedwith each one of ports 222, 224, and 116. In particular, port 222includes a USB-3 enable setting 223, port 224 includes a USB-3 enablesetting 225, and port 226 includes a USB-3 enable setting 227. USB-3enable settings 223, 225, and 227 may represent a register location, orthe like, that selects whether or not to enable the USB-3 channel of therespective ports 222, 224, and 226. As such, FIG. 2 illustratesinformation handling system 200 configured with all the USB-3 channelsenabled (top figure, labeled “200-A”), and configured with the USB-3channels of ports 222, 224, and 226 disabled (bottom figure, labeled“200-B”). Here, the USB-3 channels between port 222 and dock connector230, between port 224 and cable connector 232, and between port 224 andmodule connector 234 are illustrated with dashed lines, indicating thatthe USB-3 functionality has been disabled for all three ports. However,it will be understood that any combination of one, two, or all threeUSB-3 interfaces from ports 222, 224, and 226 can be disabled at anytime by setting the associated USB-3 enable settings 223, 225, and 227,as needed or desired.

Information handling system 200 instantiates a BIOS/UEFI on BIOS/UEFImodule 240. The BIOS/UEFI may include a setting option to enable ordisable the USB-3 channels by setting or clearing USB-3 enable settings223, 225, and 227, based upon a user preference. It will be understoodthat CPU 210 may include a USB-3 enable setting similar to USB-3 enablesetting 114. Here, when such a USB-3 enable setting is disabled,information handling system 200 will be effectively limited in operationto USB-2 data rates and data throughput on all of ports 222, 224, and226, similar to information handling system 100. However, when such aUSB-3 enable setting is enabled, one or more of the USB-3 channels ofports 222, 224, and 226 may be disabled without impacting the USB-3channel between CPU 210 and USB hub 220, and without impacting the USB-channels from the other ports that have their USB enable settingsenabled. CPU 210 further includes a video interface (not illustrated)that is connected to display device 250. The BIOS/UEFI typicallyprovides for the display of the various setting options on displaydevice 250, and for a user to change the various setting options asneeded or desired. Here, a display may be provided that permits the userset or clear USB-3 enable setting 214, and thus to enable or disable theUSB-3 functionality of information handling system 200.

As noted above, the operating frequency of USB-3 interfaces may includeharmonics that may interfere with one or more of the wirelesscommunication interfaces, as illustrated by the coupled harmonics 270into antenna 114. The solution of selectively disabling one or moreUSB-3 interface, as shown by the lower figure 210-B, reduces theharmonic coupling 275, and permits the flexibility to balance theperformance level for the information handling system with the level ofGPS location performance. Thus, because dock connector 230, cableconnector 232, and module connector 234 each represent opportunities fordifferent usages of information handling system 200, and becausedifferent combinations of enabling and disabling of the USB-2 channelsmay introduce varying degrees if interference with antenna 214, a usermay choose different combinations of enablement and disablement of theUSB-3 channels in accordance with the user's needs or preferences.

For example, because dock connector 230 is may be used when a userconnects information handling system 200 to a desktop docking station,then, there may be little need for highly accurate GPS information, andso the information handling system can be configured to enable all USB-3channels. On the other hand, module connector 234 may physicallyincompatible with the use of a docking station, for example where bothconnectors are located on a back surface of information handling system200, and so the addition of an extension module may imply that the useris operating in a mobile mode, therefore indicating a desire for moreaccurate GPS information. However, the use of the extension module maybe understood to indicate that the user wishes some enhancedfunctionality as provided by the extension module, and that thedecreased USB-3 channel performance on the extension module may not bedesirable. Here, a trade-off can be made where only the USB-3 channelassociated with port 226 is enabled, but where the USB-3 channels forports 222 and 224 are disabled.

FIG. 3 illustrates a BIOS/UEFI set-up screen 300 of an informationhandling system. BIOS/UEFI set-up screen 300 provides three levels ofcontrol over the enablement and disablement of the USB-3 channels of theinformation handling system: an automatic option, a selectable presetsoption, and an advanced option. In the automatic option, the informationhandling system automatically selects which USB-3 channels to enable andwhich to disable. Here, for example, a manufacturer may implement adecision logic that takes into account various operating parameterswithin the information handling system, and then select the enablementand disablement scheme based upon the operating parameters. An examplemay include determining that the information handling system is dockedwith the docking station. In another example, the information handlingsystem may briefly disable all USB-3 channels for a short duration aftervarious motion sensors of the information handling system indicate thatthe information handling system is stationary, in order for a GPS systemof the information handling system to fix a precise location, and thento reenable the USB-3 channels after the precise location is fixed.

In the selectable present option, a user selects from a small number ofoptions that each represent a broadly subjective user experience, suchas a high performance mode, a high GPS accuracy mode, and a balancedmode. In this example, the information handling system will implement aparticular combination of enablements and disablements that are known todeliver the subjective user experiences, based upon designconsiderations and the like. In the advanced option, a user may havedirect access to each of the USB-3 enable settings, and so can fashion ausage mode, according to the user's needs or preferences. For example,where the information handling system includes three USB-3 channels,there may be eight possible combinations of enablements anddisablements, as illustrated in BIOS/UEFI set-up screen 300. A BIOS/UEFIset-up screen such as BIOS/UEFI set-up screen 300 will typically beaccessed prior to a system boot process for the information handler, andso may not be suitable for dynamic selection of the enablement anddisablement of the USB-3 channels on the information handling system.However, it will be further understood that the options as presented onBIOS/UEFI set-up screen 300, and the functionality enabled thereby, asdescribed above, may also be provided during a run time environment ofthe information handling system, permitting a user to select theenablement and disablement of the USB-3 channels “on the fly,” that is,at any time during run time operation, according to the user's needs orpreferences.

Returning to FIG. 2, embedded controller 260 represents one or moreprocessing devices, such as a dedicated baseboard management controller(BMC) System-on-a-Chip (SoC) device, one or more associated memorydevices, one or more network interface devices, a complex programmablelogic device (CPLD), and the like, that operate together to provide amanagement environment for information handling system 200. Inparticular, embedded controller 260 is connected to various componentsof the host environment via various internal communication interfaces,such as a Low Pin Count (LPC) interface, an Inter-Integrated-Circuit(I2C) interface, a PCIe interface, or the like, to provide anout-of-band (OOB) mechanism to retrieve information related to theoperation of the host environment, to provide BIOS/UEFI or systemfirmware updates, to manage non-processing components of informationhandling system 400, such as system cooling fans and power supplies. Anexample of embedded controller 260 include a commercially available BMCproduct or other device that operates in accordance with an IntelligentPlatform Management Initiative (IPMI) specification, a Web ServicesManagement (WSMan) interface, a Redfish Application ProgrammingInterface (API), another Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF), orother management standard, and can include an Integrated Dell RemoteAccess Controller (iDRAC), an Embedded Controller (EC), or the like.Management device 490 may further include associated memory devices,logic devices, security devices, or the like, as needed or desired. In aparticular embodiment, embedded controller 260 operates to enable ordisable the USB-3 channels via the I2C bus.

It will be understood that, while the enablement and disablement ofindividual USB-3 channels, as illustrated herein, are described in thecontext of a USB hub, this is not necessary to the teachings of thepresent disclosure, and other implementations of systems with high-speeddata channels and sensitive wireless communication devices may likewisebenefit from the teachings of the present disclosure. For example, otherUSB implementations may be utilized that provide USB ports with theability to enable or disable one or both of the USB-2 channel and theUSB-3 channel. Here, a BIOS screen or user interface can be provided toenable the selection of processing performance versus the performance ofthe wireless communication interfaces, as needed or desired. Further,other high-speed interfaces my also be found to interfere with wirelesscommunication interfaces, and may benefit from the teachings of thepresent disclosure. For example, where a Peripheral ComponentInterconnect-Express (PCIe) interface is provided on an informationhandling system via a PCIe cable, such a cable may adversely interferewith wireless communication interfaces. Here, a BIOS screen or userinterface can be provided to enable the selectin of processingperformance versus the performance of the wireless communicationinterface, such as by reducing a data transfer rate on the PCIe cable.Another example may include a Serial-ATA cable. Moreover, devices thatmay be utilized for enabling or disabling the high-speed interfaces mayinclude hubs, switches, or any other electrical device that prevents anaggressor signal from the high-speed interfaces from adversely impactingthe wireless communication interfaces, buffers, redrivers, retimers, andthe like, that include an ability to enable or disable the high-speedinterfaces, or to otherwise de-rate the performance of the high-speedinterfaces in order to improve the performance of the wirelesscommunication interfaces.

FIG. 4 illustrates a generalized embodiment of an information handlingsystem 400 similar to information handling system 100. For purpose ofthis disclosure an information handling system can include anyinstrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute,classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch,store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilizeany form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, informationhandling system 400 can be a personal computer, a laptop computer, asmart phone, a tablet device or other consumer electronic device, anetwork server, a network storage device, a switch router or othernetwork communication device, or any other suitable device and may varyin size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Further,information handling system 400 can include processing resources forexecuting machine-executable code, such as a central processing unit(CPU), a programmable logic array (PLA), an embedded device such as aSystem-on-a-Chip (SoC), or other control logic hardware. Informationhandling system 400 can also include one or more computer-readablemedium for storing machine-executable code, such as software or data.Additional components of information handling system 400 can include oneor more storage devices that can store machine-executable code, one ormore communications ports for communicating with external devices, andvarious input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, anda video display. Information handling system 400 can also include one ormore buses operable to transmit information between the various hardwarecomponents.

Information handling system 400 can include devices or modules thatembody one or more of the devices or modules described below, andoperates to perform one or more of the methods described below.Information handling system 400 includes a processors 402 and 404, aninput/output (I/O) interface 410, memories 420 and 425, a graphicsinterface 430, a basic input and output system/universal extensiblefirmware interface (BIOS/UEFI) module 440, a disk controller 450, a harddisk drive (HDD) 454, an optical disk drive (ODD) 456 , a disk emulator460 connected to an external solid state drive (SSD) 462, an I/O bridge470, one or more add-on resources 474, a trusted platform module (TPM)476, a network interface 480, a management device 490, and a powersupply 495. Processors 402 and 404, I/O interface 410, memory 420,graphics interface 430, BIOS/UEFI module 440, disk controller 450, HDD454, ODD 456 , disk emulator 460, SSD 462, I/O bridge 470, add-onresources 474, TPM 476, and network interface 480 operate together toprovide a host environment of information handling system 400 thatoperates to provide the data processing functionality of the informationhandling system. The host environment operates to executemachine-executable code, including platform BIOS/UEFI code, devicefirmware, operating system code, applications, programs, and the like,to perform the data processing tasks associated with informationhandling system 400.

In the host environment, processor 402 is connected to I/O interface 410via processor interface 406, and processor 404 is connected to the I/Ointerface via processor interface 408. Memory 420 is connected toprocessor 402 via a memory interface 422. Memory 425 is connected toprocessor 404 via a memory interface 427. Graphics interface 430 isconnected to I/O interface 410 via a graphics interface 432, andprovides a video display output 436 to a video display 434. In aparticular embodiment, information handling system 400 includes separatememories that are dedicated to each of processors 402 and 404 viaseparate memory interfaces. An example of memories 420 and 430 includerandom access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM(DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), or the like, read only memory (ROM),another type of memory, or a combination thereof.

BIOS/UEFI module 440, disk controller 450, and I/O bridge 470 areconnected to I/O interface 410 via an I/O channel 412. An example of I/Ochannel 412 includes a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)interface, a PCI-Extended (PCI-X) interface, a high speed PCI-Express(PCIe) interface, another industry standard or proprietary communicationinterface, or a combination thereof. I/O interface 410 can also includeone or more other I/O interfaces, including an Industry StandardArchitecture (ISA) interface, a Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI)interface, an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) interface, a System PacketInterface (SPI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), another interface, or acombination thereof. BIOS/UEFI module 440 includes BIOS/UEFI codeoperable to detect resources within information handling system 400, toprovide drivers for the resources, initialize the resources, and accessthe resources. BIOS/UEFI module 440 includes code that operates todetect resources within information handling system 400, to providedrivers for the resources, to initialize the resources, and to accessthe resources.

Disk controller 450 includes a disk interface 452 that connects the diskcontroller to HDD 454, to ODD 456, and to disk emulator 460. An exampleof disk interface 452 includes an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE)interface, an Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) such as a parallelATA (PATA) interface or a serial ATA (SATA) interface, a SCSI interface,a USB interface, a proprietary interface, or a combination thereof. Diskemulator 460 permits SSD 464 to be connected to information handlingsystem 400 via an external interface 462. An example of externalinterface 462 includes a USB interface, an IEEE 1394 (Firewire)interface, a proprietary interface, or a combination thereof.Alternatively, solid-state drive 464 can be disposed within informationhandling system 400.

I/O bridge 470 includes a peripheral interface 472 that connects the I/Obridge to add-on resource 474, to TPM 476, and to network interface 480.Peripheral interface 472 can be the same type of interface as I/Ochannel 412, or can be a different type of interface. As such, I/Obridge 470 extends the capacity of I/O channel 412 when peripheralinterface 472 and the I/O channel are of the same type, and the I/Obridge translates information from a format suitable to the I/O channelto a format suitable to the peripheral channel 472 when they are of adifferent type. Add-on resource 474 can include a data storage system,an additional graphics interface, a network interface card (NIC), asound/video processing card, another add-on resource, or a combinationthereof. Add-on resource 474 can be on a main circuit board, on separatecircuit board or add-in card disposed within information handling system400, a device that is external to the information handling system, or acombination thereof.

Network interface 480 represents a NIC disposed within informationhandling system 400, on a main circuit board of the information handlingsystem, integrated onto another component such as I/O interface 410, inanother suitable location, or a combination thereof. Network interfacedevice 480 includes network channels 482 and 484 that provide interfacesto devices that are external to information handling system 400. In aparticular embodiment, network channels 482 and 484 are of a differenttype than peripheral channel 472 and network interface 480 translatesinformation from a format suitable to the peripheral channel to a formatsuitable to external devices. An example of network channels 482 and 484includes InfiniBand channels, Fibre Channel channels, Gigabit Ethernetchannels, proprietary channel architectures, or a combination thereof.Network channels 482 and 484 can be connected to external networkresources (not illustrated). The network resource can include anotherinformation handling system, a data storage system, another network, agrid management system, another suitable resource, or a combinationthereof.

Management device 490 represents one or more processing devices, such asa dedicated baseboard management controller (BMC) System-on-a-Chip (SoC)device, one or more associated memory devices, one or more networkinterface devices, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and thelike, that operate together to provide the management environment forinformation handling system 400. In particular, management device 490 isconnected to various components of the host environment via variousinternal communication interfaces, such as a Low Pin Count (LPC)interface, an Inter-Integrated-Circuit (I2C) interface, a PCIeinterface, or the like, to provide an out-of-band (OOB) mechanism toretrieve information related to the operation of the host environment,to provide BIOS/UEFI or system firmware updates, to managenon-processing components of information handling system 400, such assystem cooling fans and power supplies. Management device 490 caninclude a network connection to an external management system, and themanagement device can communicate with the management system to reportstatus information for information handling system 400, to receiveBIOS/UEFI or system firmware updates, or to perform other task formanaging and controlling the operation of information handling system400. Management device 490 can operate off of a separate power planefrom the components of the host environment so that the managementdevice receives power to manage information handling system 400 when theinformation handling system is otherwise shut down. An example ofmanagement device 490 include a commercially available BMC product orother device that operates in accordance with an Intelligent PlatformManagement Initiative (IPMI) specification, a Web Services Management(WSMan) interface, a Redfish Application Programming Interface (API),another Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF), or other managementstandard, and can include an Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller(iDRAC), an Embedded Controller (EC), or the like. Management device 490may further include associated memory devices, logic devices, securitydevices, or the like, as needed or desired.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailherein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theembodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover any andall such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fallwithin the scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extentallowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determinedby the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims andtheir equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by theforegoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information handling system, comprising: aprocessor to provide a processor USB-2 channel and a processor USB-3channel; and a USB hub device including a plurality of USB ports, eachUSB port to provide an associated port USB-2 channel and an associatedport USB-3 channel, the USB hub device configured to receive theprocessor USB-2 channel and the processor USB-3 channel, to route theprocessor USB-2 channel to each of the port USB-2 channels, and to routethe processor USB-3 channel to each enabled port USB-3 channel, whereineach USB port includes a USB-3 enable setting, wherein when the USB-3enable setting for each particular USB port is in a first state, theassociated port USB-3 channel is enabled, and wherein when the USB-3enable setting for each particular USB port is in a second state, theassociated port USB-3 channel is disabled.
 2. The information handlingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: a Basic Input/Output System(BIOS) module operable to place the USB-3 enable setting into the secondstate for the at least one USB port.
 3. The information handling systemof claim 2, wherein the BIOS module is further operable to provide auser interface to select the at least one USB port.
 4. The informationhandling system of claim 3, wherein the BIOS module places the USB-3enable setting into the second state in response to a user input to theuser interface.
 5. The information handling system of claim 1, whereinthe processor is operable to place the USB-3 enable setting into thesecond state for the at least one USB port during a run time operationof the information handling system.
 6. The information handling systemof claim 5, wherein the processor places the USB-3 enable setting intothe second state in response to a user input to processor.
 7. Theinformation handling system of claim 1, further comprising: an embeddedcontroller operable to place the USB-3 enable setting into the secondstate for the at least one USB port.
 8. The information handling systemof claim 1, further comprising: a Global Positioning System (GPS)interface including an antenna, wherein the USB-3 enable setting for atleast one of the USB ports is placed into the second state to reduceelectromagnetic interference between the associated USB-3 channel andthe antenna.
 9. A method, comprising: receiving, by a Universal SerialBus (USB) hub device of an information handling system, a processorUSB-2 channel and a processor USB-3 channel from the informationhandling system, wherein the USB hub device includes a plurality of USBports, each USB port to provide an associated port USB-2 channel and anassociated port USB-3 channel, and wherein each USB port includes aUSB-3 enable setting, wherein when the USB-3 enable setting for eachparticular USB port is in a first state, the associated port USB-3channel is enabled, and wherein when the USB-3 enable setting for eachparticular USB port is in a second state, the associated port USB-3channel is disabled; routing, by the USB hub device, the processor USB-2channel to each of the port USB-2 channels and routing the processorUSB-3 channel to each enabled port USB-3 channel; and placing the USB-3enable setting for at least one of the USB ports into the second state.10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing, by a BasicInput/Output System (BIOS) module of the information handling system,the USB-3 enable setting into the second state for the at least one USBport.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: providing, by theBIOS module, a user interface to select the at least one USB port. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the BIOS module places the USB-3 enablesetting into the second state in response to a user input to the userinterface.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing, bythe processor, the USB-3 enable setting into the second state for the atleast one USB port during a run time operation of the informationhandling system.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:receiving, by the processor, a user input, wherein the processor placesthe USB-3 enable setting into the second state in response to the userinput.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing, by anembedded controller of the information handling system, the USB-3 enablesetting into the second state for the at least one USB port.
 16. Themethod of claim 9, wherein: the information handling system includes aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) interface havivg an antenna; and whereinplacing the USB-3 enable setting for the at least one of the USB portinto the second state operates to reduce electromagnetic interferencebetween the associated USB-3 channel and the antenna.
 17. An informationhandling system, comprising: a processor to provide a processor USB-2channel and a processor USB-3 channel; a Basic Input/Output System(BIOS) module; and a USB hub device including a plurality of USB ports,each USB port to provide an associated port USB-2 channel and anassociated port USB-3 channel, the USB hub device configured to receivethe processor USB-2 channel and the processor USB-3 channel and to routethe processor USB-2 channel to each of the port USB-2 channels and toroute the processor USB-3 channel to each enabled port USB-3 channel;wherein: each USB port includes a USB-3 enable setting, wherein when theUSB-3 enable setting for each particular USB port is in a first state,the associated port USB-3 channel is enabled, and wherein when the USB-3enable setting for each particular USB port is in a second state, theassociated port USB-3 channel is disabled; and the BIOS module places aUSB-3 enable setting for at least one of the USB ports into the secondstate.
 18. The information handling system of claim 19, wherein: theBIOS module is further operable to provide a user interface to selectthe at least one USB port; and the BIOS module places the USB-3 enablesetting into the second state in response to a user input to the userinterface.
 19. The information handling system of claim 17, wherein theprocessor is operable to place the USB-3 enable setting into the secondstate for the at least one USB port during a run time operation of theinformation handling system.
 20. The information handling system ofclaim 19, wherein the processor places the USB-3 enable setting into thesecond state in response to a user input to processor.